Impatient Collaboration: Building a Viable, Sustainable Future with ConcreteZero

Last week, we were proud to host the Quarterly Meeting of ConcreteZero, bringing together professionals, online and in-person, united by their commitment to revolutionising the construction industry.

With concrete responsible for 8% of global CO₂ emissions, the need for urgent, collective action is clear. The discussions at this event were both energising and sobering, as we tackle the twin challenges of implementing low-carbon concrete solutions while grappling with the realities of project viability.

As Peyrouz Modarres our Director of ESG, noted in his opening remarks, the balance between sustainability and viability is anything but straightforward. However, gatherings like this demonstrate the power of “impatient collaboration” – a mix of urgency and shared effort that’s essential for creating meaningful change.

Turning Vision into Action: ConcreteZero’s mission is simple but ambitious

1. Make 100% of concrete used net zero by 2050
2. With an interim target of 30% low-carbon concrete use by 2025 and 50% by 2030

These targets are more than aspirational – they are achievable, but only through strong leadership and industry-wide collaboration.

By committing to ConcreteZero, organisations signal their dedication to reducing the carbon footprint of one of the world’s most-used materials. At this event, it was clear how essential this initiative is to accelerate innovation and making sustainable concrete accessible across the supply chain.

The Challenge of Viability

Concrete production is under intense scrutiny, and for good reason: it is one of the largest contributors to global carbon emissions. Yet adopting low-carbon alternatives comes with its challenges.

Manufacturers face the technical and financial hurdles of creating low-carbon materials, while contractors and developers are under immense pressure to deliver projects on time and within budget. As Peyrouz noted, viability remains a major barrier:

"Sustainability shouldn’t come at an additional cost, but for now, it often does. Low-carbon solutions are frequently only accessible to those with surplus resources or those who directly benefit from them."

Changing this dynamic is critical to ensuring sustainability is a standard, not a privilege. ConcreteZero is addressing this head-on by fostering partnerships that align sustainability goals with economic realities. It’s about creating solutions that work for the entire industry, not just a select few.”

Lessons from the Journey

Reflecting on his decade in sustainability, Peyrouz shared three lessons that highlight both the progress made and the challenges ahead:

• Imagination Drives Progress: Ten years ago, a gathering like this under the banner of ConcreteZero might have seemed unthinkable. Today, it’s a reality, proving that even the most daunting challenges can be overcome with collective ambition and innovation.

• Change Takes Time: Patience is hard to maintain when the climate crisis demands immediate action. But systemic change doesn’t happen overnight, and people take time to adapt. Acknowledging this reality helps us stay committed and focused.

• Community is Essential: Sustainability work can feel isolating, particularly when advocating for change in rooms where others prioritise costs and deadlines. Events like this remind us that we are not alone, and that collaboration strengthens our resolve to keep going.

Get Involved: Shaping a Sustainable Future

The construction industry stands at a critical juncture. Low-carbon concrete must become the norm, not the exception. ConcreteZero provides the blueprint for this transformation, offering a clear path forward for those ready to act.

If you’re inspired by this mission and want to play a part, visit ConcreteZero to learn more about membership opportunities. By joining, you’ll be contributing to a global effort to rethink how we build, from the ground up.

We can help you

Hosting this event was a vivid reminder of what can be achieved through impatient collaboration. Sustainability is complex, but it’s attainable when we come together with urgency, creativity, and determination.

For us, sustainability isn’t an add-on – it’s integral to how we approach every project. Whether through lean design principles, adaptive reuse, or prioritising low-carbon materials, there are practical, innovative ways to create cost-effective and environmentally responsible solutions that deliver real impact.

If you’re ready to make your development more sustainable or explore our sustainability approach for insights into delivering viable and impactful solutions or contact Peyrouz to discuss how we can help you achieve your goals.

How can we make the vision a reality?

“The question to consider is this: how do we make sustainability viable for everyone, not just the privileged few? I believe the answer lies in collective action, bold leadership, and an unwavering commitment to change. Let’s build a sustainable future together. I’d love to hear your thoughts – how can we make this vision a reality?”